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Bonnie Andrews, MPH, Ph.D., is the Research Manager for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. She also previously served as a Research Reviewer for the Commission. Andrews has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UMass Boston and is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts. She also has an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Tufts University School of Medicine. She previously served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Statistics and Evaluation in the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Vivien (Wen Li) Anthony, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Scientific Director for Video Gaming and eSports at the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on problematic technology use, including video gaming, esports, gambling and other interactive technologies, as a behavioral addiction. She studies the etiology and risk mechanisms of problematic technology use, develops and validates measures for these problems, and develops and evaluates interventions that can ameliorate these problems among adolescents and young adults.
Allison Atkinson-Niadj, LCSW, CEAP, is an Arkansas native practicing social work counseling for the Southwest Connections EAP. She is a founding member of the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council. Allison is also the board president of a medical center auxiliary: the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Auxiliary, serving Arkansas, patients without insurance. She is in the Leadership Arkansas and Leadership- Greater Little Rock programs and often serves as the only counselor. Her behavioral health perspective is a boon to all her advising and leadership roles.
Allyson Auerbach, MPH, Director in Research and Evaluation, where she develops comprehensive research plans, conducts community health assessments and health impact assessments and evaluates the impact of health programs. Ms. Auerbach has significant quantitative and qualitative research experience organizing, collecting, analyzing, and reporting data for numerous community health assessments and program evaluations. Ms. Auerbach previously served as Qualitative Data Lead for the IL Gambling Needs Assessment. Ms. Auerbach has been the project manager and core researcher for over a dozen community health assessments and health impact assessments. For these assessments, she has conducted hundreds of interviews and focus groups with various community stakeholders, including healthcare providers, school officials and students, health department leadership and staff, law enforcement officials, parents, seniors, and youth. Ms. Auerbach’s areas of expertise include qualitative research and analysis using NVivo, health impact assessments, behavioral health, and community development and health. Before joining HRiA, Ms. Auerbach worked in Southeastern Massachusetts, providing technical assistance and training to community health coalitions regarding assessment, planning, and implementation of policy, systems, and environmental strategies related to behavioral health. She has worked for 15 years on community-based public health across the U.S. and Peru. Ms. Auerbach holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public health from Haverford College and a master’s in public health degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Long Banh serves as a Program Manager with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. He works collaboratively with casino operators and other stakeholders on various casino and community-based initiatives to build a sustainable and socially responsible industry in the state. Banh received his Master’s in Social Work from Simmons College and his Master’s in Business Administration from Fitchburg State University. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with clinical experience in community-based and acute settings with addiction, HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues.
Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT, is a highly regarded gambling addiction expert working extensively with individuals and organizations worldwide. She is the CEO of The Better Institute. Bechtold is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals (2021) and two chapters in the Social Work Desk Reference V4 on Gambling and Gaming Disorders, published in 2022. She has several certifications (ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, CGT) and is an International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) board member. Jody holds a Master’s in social work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work.
Gregory Below is the Director of Helpline Services at Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling with 19 years of combined experience helping callers in crisis struggling with gambling problems, substance use disorder and those experiencing suicidal thoughts. He started as a Helpline Specialist and moved to Reports Coordinator. He developed the Helplines Data and Reports system. He went on to become Program Manager and in 2019, Greg became the Director of Helpline Services. During the height of COVID-19, Greg developed and implemented procedures to maintain an in-person Helpline 24/7 and established a remote work plan. Greg is the caring person on the other end of the line.
Cassandra Belton is an educational professional who has struggled with compulsive gambling since her mid-twenties. She is in recovery and has started a weekly online group for Black women struggling with compulsive gambling.
Amanda Blackford currently serves as Director of Operations & Problem Gambling Services for the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Amanda has dedicated the majority of her professional career to strive to improving Ohio’s problem gambling continuum of care. Working with treatment and prevention experts across the state and nationally, she has helped develop informed State policies and programs to aid those who may be struggling. Amanda received her Bachelors in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University.
Matt Blanks is the Service Manager for Peer Aid at Betknowmore UK. Peer Aid sits within the National Gambling Treatment Service in the United Kingdom. Matt Blanks worked in the Gambling industry for 16 years as a betting shop manager. During this period, he developed a gambling addiction which caused harm to himself and the people around him. Matt found recovery through Betknowmore UK in 2018 and has grown the Peer Aid service from a London pilot scheme to a national model.
Suzanne Bourgeois has been an Assistant Attorney General in the Gaming Division at the Louisiana Department of Justice for eight years. Suzanne helped to establish the Problem Gambling Resource Services program and has been the Program Manager since it was established in 2018. Before becoming an Assistant Attorney General, she investigated complaints regarding ethical and licensing violations for the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. Before attending law school, Suzanne worked at the Terrebonne Mental Health Clinic and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Terrebonne General Medical Center.
Dr. Broussard is an assistant professor at Jackson State University in Mississippi. He earned his B.S. in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and his M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY. He completed his internship and clinical residency training at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. Throughout his career, Dr. Broussard has engaged in clinical research and is a published author on various topics. His current research addresses the use of technology in treating addictive disorders, specifically interventions that benefit underserved populations.
Cory Brown, MPA, OCPC, ICPS, is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC) currently serving as the Manager of Problem Gambling Services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission. As a part of his role with the Commission, Cory manages the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (Time Out Ohio) and oversees the responsible gaming plans of Ohio’s four casinos and Ohio’s sports gaming proprietors. Cory also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Problem Gambling Advisory Board, where he co-chairs the Workforce Development Committee. Cory received his Master of Public Administration from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.
As Senior Director of Programs and Services with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Kaitlin oversees the statewide helpline, training, and prevention initiatives. Kaitlin has provided therapy to those with gambling disorders and has presented on the state, regional and national level. Kaitlin has dedicated her career to increasing community awareness of the overall impact of gambling related harm. Kaitlin is currently the Vice Chair for the NCPG Prevention and Helpline Committees. In 2021, Kaitlin was honored with the Jim Wuelfing Prevention Award for advancing the field of problem gambling prevention.
Robert Bumbaco is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Mental Coach, former Division 1 athlete, and COO of The Better Institute. While playing competitive hockey, Rob noticed gaps in the support and services available to his fellow athletes. Combining his mental health training and experience on the ice, Rob has created tools to support athletes and provide education and prevention services for mental health and at-risk behaviors.
Michael Burnett is a Professor and Department Head at LSU. Completed undergraduate degree from Clemson University. Complete Ph.D. in 1980 from Ohio State University. He is active in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs, the department’s research program, and service activities at the university, community, state, and national levels for over 42 years as faculty at LSU. His research results have been published in at least ten different research journals.
Michael A. Buzzelli, MA, MPH, has served as the Associate Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio since February 2020. Buzzelli serves on the Ohio Problem Gambling Advisory Board and the Affiliate and Prevention committees of NCPG. Buzzelli oversees workforce development initiatives for professionals and organizations and manages a Warm Transfer Line. His other professional interests include working with university students and leadership to create and implement sustainable programming, building interdisciplinary partnerships and promoting collaboration across the field. Buzzelli received his Master of Public Health from Kent State University, and a Master’s in Bioethics from Case Western Reserve University.
Alessandro is the President of Origo Branding Company, a cause marketing agency that leads statewide and national campaigns that build awareness around critical topics, which he presents at both statewide and national conferences on creating communication strategies to address critical public health issues, including preventing Rx drug abuse, domestic violence, and the campaign efforts to promote responsible gambling on behalf of Ohio for Responsible Gambling for our statewide initiative, titled Get Set Before You Bet.
Christina Cook is the founder/host of The Broke Girl Society Podcast and Co-host of The Bet Free Life on YouTube. In recovery from compulsive gambling since March 2021, Christina spends much of her time advocating and spreading awareness of the hope and help available to those still struggling from gambling harm.
Anita Costales, BSN, grew up in Ecuador and brought a special passion for working with the Hispanic community in Delaware. She taught Spanish for ten years at St. Ann’s Episcopal School in Middletown, DE. She also conducted youth groups for La Esperanza to help identify the challenges of Hispanic teens living in the U.S. by providing kids with a safe environment to share their experiences with acculturation. These groups also provided prevention information about substance use disorders. Anita now works full-time as a Prevention Coordinator for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems Prevention Services for Youth Team, delivering presentations on gambling and gaming in Spanish to Middle and High School students in ESL classes and providing translation to bilingual Spanish students in Health classes. She also translates for DCGP treatment providers with Spanish-speaking patients.
Jonathan Crandall is the Veteran Outreach Coordinator for the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG). Through his work, Jonathan advocates for increased awareness of problem gambling among our service members and veterans. Jonathan also connects those who have served and their family members struggling with problem gambling to the treatment services they deserve. Jonathan is a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (CRPA), certified in Veteran-Supported Recovery (VSR), co-chair of the military committee for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), and a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Keuka College.
As a Peer for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Kenny assists individuals within Maryland struggling with problems related to gambling and gambling addiction to navigate recovery treatment resources and helps remove any barriers to recovery. He has dedicated his life to helping others with gambling problems by sharing his personal story of recovery. Kenny has a great passion for outdoor life, boating, fishing, hiking, and capturing nature’s tranquility through his photography. Kenny comes from a background in Carpentry and is grateful to help others achieve a balanced life through his knowledge and experience.
A Maryland and Northern Virginia native, Kiia supported research at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for a year during educational pursuits before enlisting in the United States Navy in 2011. As a 12-year veteran, Kiia spent her career sailing the Pacific in support of U.S. and allied interests, supporting Naval Special Warfare, and working at a Washington, D.C. shore site. During her time in the Navy, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Currently, she is enrolled in a Post-Baccalaureate program and is a prospective medical school candidate.
Susan Diamond joined the Office of Responsible Gambling in May of 2022 and serves as a Lottery Problem Gambling Advocate. In her 27 years tenure, she has held positions in the Lottery’s Operations, Marketing and Executive divisions. She currently oversees the Voluntary Exclusion Program, prevention advertising campaigns and special responsible gambling projects. She had taken an active role in the Lottery’s commitment to responsible gambling over the past 8 years in her previous role. Susan earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel is an associate professor of graduate social work at Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro Campus. She is an international trainer and speaker and has presented clinical courses to help professionals worldwide. She has collaborated on and authored scientific studies, presentations and journal articles, as well as appeared in international media on various radio, podcasts, and news outlets to discuss the topics of addictions, gaming disorder and other behavioral health concerns. In 2013, Dr. Diez-Morel founded Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for a balanced living in a technology-driven world.
Angela DiRosa is the Director of Call Operations with the NY Council on Problem Gambling. Angela maintains the regionally-based system to ensure callers are connected with local support and resources while exploring innovative ideas to enhance the system of care for people in NYS impacted by problem gambling. Previously, she served as the Program Manager for the Western NY PGRC, assisting with outreach efforts, building a robust problem gambling service network, and connecting individuals to the needed resources. Angela has worked in a similar field conducting training, advocacy and policy change with the NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control.
Nani Dodson has over 15 years of experience in the youth development field, working at local, state, and national levels on underage gambling prevention initiatives. Nani is a Program Analyst with the California Friday Night Live Partnership and has guided the statewide implementation of the Betting On Our Future (BOOF) program since its inception in 2007. BOOF provides opportunities for young people to: raise awareness of underage gambling, share resources for those in need, and engage the local community in creating positive social change.
Ms. Frederick, CPS, is the Workforce Development Project Manager at Prevention Insights in the Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Her credentials include a Master of Education degree and an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist. She has a track record of successful implementation and training in workforce development, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), problem gambling, health consciousness, and stress resilience & thriving. She has performed funded work for federal and state agencies, including the National Institutes of Health & the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, and other organizations.
Riley E. S. Gambill, MHA, is the chairman of the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council and a population health improvement specialist at an Arkansas medical system. He has over a decade of experience in non-profit and mental health work.
Hector Garcia is the Inter-Agency Treatment Expansion Director for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, providing screening, assessment, staff education and psycho-educational groups at several SA/MH agencies in Delaware. He has been a treatment provider for DCGP for the past 22 years. He facilitated a treatment program for the incarcerated population at a prison in Delaware for over 20 years. He oversees a gambling certification program for clinicians working in Delaware and is currently working with Dr. Deborah Haskins for 15 people in ministry to achieve the IGCCB Clergy Certification. He is a husband, father and proud PopPop.
Kelly is a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III with GAMB Endorsement, Certified Prevention Consultant, and Tobacco Treatment Specialist in Ohio. She is the Prevention Services Coordinator at the Zepf Center in Toledo, Ohio, a PGNO Board member, and a 2021 Graduate of The Ohio Gambling Treatment Fellowship Program, where PAWS was her project. Kelly’s career spans over 25 years, with highlights in Animal Assisted Interventions & Canine Assisted Learning programs. She is the recipient of a Senatorial Citation from Ohio State Senator Teresa Fedor for her work with therapy dogs with abuse victims.
Elizabeth Hall is a researcher at the UCLA Gambling Studies Program (UGSP) and the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program. During 25 years of addiction and mental health research, she has managed multi-site projects investigating SUD treatment. Hall has authored numerous papers and reports on treatment outcomes for those receiving mental health, substance use, and gambling disorders treatment. She is Research Manager for UGSP and Principal Investigator for the Independent Peer Review Project evaluating SAMHSA-funded SUD and MH treatment programs. Her research interests include evaluating the efficacy of addiction services, improving long-term outcomes for those receiving treatment for addictions, and using qualitative and longitudinal study methodology.
Leigh is an energetic impact player committed to building operational and financial capacity for transformational, mission-driven organizations. Leigh started her career in New Orleans at Dancing Grounds, an arts and social justice nonprofit, where she served for more than five years in development, marketing, and leadership roles. Leigh received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tulane University and her MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. While in business school, Leigh focused her studies on sustainability and social impact and graduated with a Certificate in Sustainable Business.
Dr. Haskins is a retired Counselor Educator and received her Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University (MD). She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an Approved Supervisor. Dr. Haskins is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor- II, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, International Clergy Lay Problem Gambling and Spiritual Outreach, Master Addictions Counselor, and IGCCB Certified Gambling Trainer. Dr. Haskins has trained mental health professionals to understand disordered gambling and provide culturally relevant services. She has received, among other awards, the NCPG Don Hulen Annual Award for Advocacy Leadership (2017) and the Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Award for Advocacy (2021).
As part of his recovery journey, Brian started talking about his gambling in a podcast. For 8 years and over 330 podcast episodes, Brian has talked about gambling harm to help spread awareness and resources available.
Carolyn Hawley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling Counseling, College of Health Professions, at Virginia Commonwealth University and Director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health. She is President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. She has experience in counseling, training, research and education in treatment, employment and community service needs of individuals with disabilities. Carolyn has served on numerous state and national boards. She has experience managing grants through the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, among many others.
Christopher Hebert is the Director of the Louisiana Attorney General Office’s Gaming Division. Mr. Hebert has served as an Assistant Attorney General for over 17 years. Attorney General Jeff Landry appointed him as Director of the Gaming Division in 2016. Under his leadership, the Problem Gambling Resource Services (PGRS) program was created in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health to bring awareness to the legal community about problem gambling and the FREE gambling treatment services available for all Louisiana residents. He currently serves as a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Advisory Board, the House of Delegates for the Louisiana State Bar Association and as an appointee to the Council of the Louisiana Law Institute. Mr. Hebert earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and his law degree from the Southern University Law Center, where he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2022. Christopher has spoken on various gaming-related topics in the U.S. and abroad.
Robert Henson is a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor who began his career in 2000. He has 17 years of experience as an Addictions Counselor, in the public and private sectors, in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. Mr. Henson currently serves as a Program Manager with the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health, having held that position since 2017. As Program Manager, he provides program surveillance, monitoring and technical assistance to gambling, tobacco, and other substance use disorder programs, across the state, including the Problem Gambling Resource Services program.
George Hicks OCPC, ICPS, Executive Director, Arkbuilders: Mr. Hicks has over 25 years of program development and Ohio-based and international certifications as a prevention specialist. He is partnered with Maryhaven Gambling Intervention Program. George coordinates programs in schools and communities for at-risk individuals. He works to identify the prevention needs of target populations. He also presents a variety of presentations and trainings in community settings for the gambling program. George has extensive experience working with urban youth in Columbus, Ohio. He has partnered with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Maryhaven Gambling Intervention Program, ArkBuilders Inc, Columbus Health Department, Asian American Community Services (AACS), Lead the Way Learning Academy, and Capital University.
As a Peer for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Will assists individuals within Maryland struggling with problems related to gambling and gambling addiction to navigate recovery treatment resources and help remove barriers to recovery. He comes from over 25 years of customer service and managerial experience. Will has a passion for working with others and sharing his lived experience in gambling recovery. He hopes that by sharing his own experience, strength, and hope, he can help others on the path to a new way of life one day at a time.
Lindsay Kalbfleisch, Greo’s Stakeholder Engagement Lead, specializes in developing products, strategies, and learning events that mobilize evidence into action. Lindsay holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and has a decade of research and knowledge translation experience in the nonprofit and health and wellbeing sectors. Over the past five years, Lindsay’s work has focused on supporting evidence-based policy and practice among safer gambling stakeholders internationally.
Nora Larson is a Prevention Specialist at Recovery Resources in Cleveland, Ohio, focusing on Smart Gaming and Problem Gambling. She works in the community, schools, and recovery agencies, providing prevention programming for all ages. In addition, she co-chairs the Cuyahoga Problem Gambling Coalition (CPGC). Nora received her Bachelor of Arts in Global Health and Development, minoring in Public Health, from the University of Arizona and her Master of Education in Community Health Promotion from Cleveland State University. She also holds a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
Mary Lay, MPH, MCHES, CPS, is the Co-PI for the Indiana Adult Gambling Behavior survey. Ms. Lay is the Project Director for the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program at Prevention Insights in the Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Ms. Lay is Master Certified Health Education and a Certified Prevention Professional. Ms. Lay has over 30 years of training, policy development and program management experience in Addiction Prevention and Problem Gambling Services. Ms. Lay serves as the Operations Director for Prevention Insights, managing grant initiatives and employee operations for all faculty and staff.
Marc has been a certified gambling counselor for over 25 years. He worked for the UCLA Gambling Studies Program training therapists and coordinating outreach for California gambling treatment programs. He was Program Director for an inpatient gambling treatment program and developed gambling inpatient/outpatient programs. He currently is the Director of Programming for Kindbridge – a teletherapy company focusing on treatment for problem gamblers. Marc is a national speaker on gambling-related issues. In 2012 he received California’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2021 received the Jeff Beck National Recovery Award. He has over 40 years in recovery from gambling.
Jamey Lister, Ph.D., MSW, is an assistant professor at Rutgers University School of Social Work and an affiliate of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University. Dr. Lister received NCPG’s Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award in 2014. He has served on the Treatment Track Committee for NCPG’s annual conference and on the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling board. Dr. Lister leads gambling services research funded by the Kindbridge Research Institute and is Co-Director of the SAMHSA Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-R) covering New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Jade Luchauer is Sr. Manager for Global Sustainability at IGT. Her scope of responsibility includes Responsible Gaming and Community Engagement, both of which are key components of IGT’s Sustainability Plan. She is responsible for the development and execution of IGT’s Responsible Gaming strategy and IGT’s related certifications through the World Lottery Association and Global Gaming Guidance Group. She also serves on several RG-related boards, advisory groups, and councils across IGT’s global service area. Jade was awarded the Vixio Outstanding Individual Contribution to Responsible Gaming Award for Gambling Compliance.
Michelle Malkin, JD, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at East Carolina University. Dr. Malkin’s research interests focus on problem gambling, gambling-motivated crime, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the carceral system. In 2018, she received a research fellowship for her work on women and gambling-motivated crime from the Center for Gaming Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her dissertation on the Problem Gambling, General Strain Theory and Gender received the 2022 Dr. Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Jeff Marotta has specialized in problem gambling for 20+ years, with over 100 publications and national presentations. Jeff has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno and is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor II. Utilizing his background in research and evaluation, clinical practice, service administration, and program and policy development, he now serves as President and Senior Consultant with Problem Gambling Solutions, Inc., and Pacific University Graduate Faculty.
Kenneth J. Martz, Psy.D. MBA. is a licensed psychologist. He has worked in the treatment and management of addiction for the past 30 years across settings, including outpatient and residential settings. He was formerly the Special Assistant to the Secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Dr. Martz has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. He has authored a dozen publications, and six bestsellers, including the international bestseller Manage My Emotions, translated into multiple languages. He has over 100 local, national and international presentations on addiction treatment.
Advocate and educator Kitty Martz is the executive director of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery in Portland, Oregon. She is the president of the NCPG state affiliate Oregon Council on Problem Gambling and, as a person with lived experience in gambling harm, a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling Recovery Committee. She works directly with peers in offering multiple pathways of recovery, trains other peers and strives to hone and share best practices/policies. Her passion is participating in the evolution of legislative policies related to mitigating gambling harm. She can be reached at www.vpgr.net.
Judy McCormick, CPS, graduated from Boston College with a BA in English and Secondary Education. She has worked in prevention for over 20 years. She’s been the Director of Prevention Services for Youth at the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems since 2010. Under her direction, DCGP has provided education on the dangers of under-aged gambling to over 23,000 high school students with an original, evolving, data-driven presentation she developed. The presentation now includes the intersection of gaming and gambling and has a Spanish version. Judy was the co-chair of the NCPG Prevention Committee’s Special Populations Subcommittee for three years.
Carin Miller is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center). As a Peer with the Center, Carin assists individuals in Maryland struggling with gambling addiction to navigate recovery treatment resources and find a personal, successful path to recovery. Her motivation and drive stem from working with persons seeking help with understanding, compassion, and empathy as she struggled with gambling addiction for over a decade. Her role at the Center allows her to provide one-on-one Peer support and connect others to critical community resources.
Janet has been the Executive Director of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) since 2014 and previously served as the Deputy Executive Director since 2008. Janet had previously served as the Director of Clinical Services for the Center of Recovery-CORE since 1999. CORE is the residential treatment facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, that provides treatment for adults with gambling disorders. In 2001, NBC-Dateline aired a show about the CORE program along with interviews with Janet and the patients. From 1985-1999, Janet worked with Charter Medical Hospitals in substance abuse inpatient & outpatient treatment programs. She has had a private counseling practice since 1987, working with recovery from addictions and co-occurring disorders. Janet has participated in conferences, trainings and various educational courses for the past 34 years. She has presented at national and international conferences, colleges, to counselors-in-training in 17 states, Louisiana State Police Gaming Division, Louisiana Gaming Industry and many different businesses. Janet moved to Louisiana in 1985 from her home state of Minnesota.
Dr. Devin J. Mills is a assistant professor in the Department of Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences at Texas Tech University. His research explores the development of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, specifically focusing on video gaming disorder and gambling disorder, from social and personality psychological frameworks. In addition to studying the development of substance-based and behavioral addictions, he also examines the factors that promote and sustain individuals’ recovery from addiction. The outcomes of his work lend to the identification of factors that facilitate sustained recovery across the lifespan, which inform the development of prevention programs and clinical interventions.
Abdallah Mobaideen is the founder and Editor in Chief of Ohio in Arabic Foundation. Abdallah is a Jordanian journalist living in Columbus, Ohio since the end of 2017. Abdallah holds a master’s degree in journalism and new media. Before immigrating to the United States, he worked as a news editor, press reporter, writer, and trainer in media and academic institutions for many years. Abdallah contributed to designing, organizing, and innovating about 100 programs, courses, conferences, and workshops that addressed different specialized aspects of journalistic work. Through this work, Abdallah contributed to training many journalists and activists in language and journalism skills. The different educational, organizational, and administrative tasks enhanced academic innovative experiences.
Dr. Lia Nower is Professor and Director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University. She is also Director of the Addiction Counselor Training Certificate Program, a member of the Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC) leadership team and a research affiliate with the Sydney University Gambling Treatment Unit in the Brain and Mind Centre. Her research focuses on etiology, treatment, policy initiatives around harm reduction and responsible gambling, and big data analyses of online gambling and sports wagering. She serves as a Senior Editor for Addiction and Assistant Editor of International Gambling Studies. Dr. Nower is also the 2022 recipient of the Lifetime Research Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling in Washington D.C.
As a Peer for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Jim assists individuals within Maryland struggling with problems related to gambling and gambling addiction. Jim’s first career led him to join the police department where he believed he could help people and make a difference. After doing something he loved for many years Jim moved on and entered the customer service/sales field, where he excelled in management. Jim is now back doing something he is passionate about, as a peer recovery specialist and a person in long term recovery, he hopes to help others struggling with gambling, one day at a time.
Makinna Olmstead is a Military Research Associate (MRA) with Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI). She serves in the United States Navy and spent the first four years of her military career as a cryptologic linguist. She is now in the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program, a graduate pre-medical program at George Mason University. With KRI, Makinna’s research has focused on identifying reasons for the increased susceptibility of the military population to gambling disorder and analyzing the methods the DoD has implemented for prevention and harm reduction.
Sue is a Certified Prevention Specialist currently serving in the Substance Abuse Prevention section of the USMC. She has over 20 years of experience in her field, having served as a Drug Free Community Director under the White House Office on National Drug Control, as well as a national presenter for the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. She also was a founding member and chair of the Community Coalitions of Virginia. She is certified as a specialist in all areas of prevention and is working with NCPG to lead the way in the prevention of problem gambling for the USMC.
Nabil Pervaiz is the Supervisor of Prevention Services at Recovery Resources in Cleveland, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Cincinnati and is an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. He oversees Gambling Prevention Services, including coordinating with gambling clinicians for training and co-chairs a gambling-specific coalition. He sits on the Board of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio as the Treasurer and Advisory Board Member for Ohio Statewide Prevention Coalition Association. Additionally, he is a member of the Problem Gambling Advisory Board for the State of Ohio.
Neva Pryor is the former Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and was Gambling Coordinator for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities/Office of Addiction Services for the City of Philadelphia. She is an Independent Consultant and Life Coach for A Place for Peace. She specializes in DEI and social justice integrated addiction and mental health trainings, curriculum development, and community wellness. Neva’s mission is to use strengths-based, empowerment advocacy and healing tools to remove invisibility from individuals, families and communities experiencing marginalization, oppression, and health disparities.
Kendra Pugh, PhD is a recent UMass Boston Sociology Doctoral Program graduate and a Health Science Specialist with VISN 1 New England MIRECC at the Bedford VA Medical Center. Dr. Pugh’s research focuses on the impacts of demographic and structural features of neighborhoods on gambling behavior and gambling among special populations, including Veterans, those with mental health and substance abuse disorders, and unhoused individuals.
Diana Reuter is a Program Manager for the Problem Gambling Resource Center at NYCPG. Diana has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s in education. After several years as a teacher, she began working in the Mental Health Field and joined the PGRC in 2019. Diana determined to help bring awareness and education of problem gambling to Long Island Communities while remaining dedicated to connecting callers to available services.
Desiree D. Reynolds, EdD, MPH, MCHES is a research associate for the Indiana University School of Public Health and has been the project manager for the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program at Prevention Insights for the past 15 years. This program provides training, research translation, and technical assistance to those working in prevention, treatment, and disordered gambling recovery in Indiana. Dr. Reynolds has facilitated trainings across Indiana and assists a variety of counselors and therapists regarding disordered gambling treatment best practices.
Zina is the Founder of Z&D Consulting whose mission is to create inviting, intentional & inclusive healing spaces for individuals to achieve mental wellness while creating pathways for success for individuals from underrepresented communities. Zina has 25+ years of experience in marketing and operations. She has held leadership positions for national and global companies. Zina is a social worker, certified addiction professional & Certified Diversity Executive.. She holds an MSW from Fordham University and a BSW from Rutgers University. Zina serves on the boards: Brain Love Foundation, NAATP, National Diversity Collaborative, Young People in Recovery, C4 Foundation & Simplifyance.
Anne Rogers leads the problem gambling and gaming prevention efforts in Virginia, building this from the ground up. She oversees all problem gambling and gaming prevention activities, including assessment, capacity building, implementation, evaluation, and building connections in gambling program resources and activities across Virginia. Prior to this Anne spent the past 20 years working for Maine’s public and behavioral health offices on substance misuse prevention and oversight of data and research systems. Anne has an M.Ed. in health education from the University of Houston and ABD towards a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Massachusetts.
Barbara Rollins, MA, CFRE, Deputy Director, works with the Board, staff and stakeholders to expand the Membership program and to seek increased funding for NCPG from individuals, foundations, and corporations, including conference sponsorships and program funding. She was instrumental in creating the new Agility Grants program, which offers groundbreaking national grants to support problem gambling prevention programs in communities nationwide. Barbara also oversees business operations and communications for the organization and is integral to managing governance implementation. A seasoned nonprofit and arts management executive, she holds a MA in Arts Administration from Goucher College and a BA in Theatre from Dartmouth College and the Certified Fund Raising Executive professional credential.
Dr. Raffaello Rossi is Lecturer in Marketing and researcher at the Gambling Harms Research Hub at the University of Bristol. He is interested in the interface of social media marketing, public policy and consumer protection. He has worked extensively on the effects of gambling advertising to young people, resulting in national and international media coverage, discussion of the research in UK parliament, and led to several regulatory changes on what gambling advertisers are allowed to do. He contributed to two benchmark research projects – the IpsosMORI Synthesis Report, and the Biddable Youth Report investigating 1m gambling adverts post on Twitter.
John Schmidt, BS, CPRS is currently the Prevention Services Coordinator for Youth for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, conducting presentations at middle and high schools throughout Delaware about disordered gambling and its connection to the gambling mechanics within video games and cell phones. John is clinically trained in disordered gaming and earned his Certificate in Studies in Gambling Addiction through the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He also conducts research in partnership with the University of Delaware in gambling and video gaming with Delaware 6th and 9th graders via in-depth surveys. As a member of the Criminal Justice Board for the DCGP and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, John relies on his lived experience and professional training to conduct presentations in juvenile correctional facilities throughout Delaware while also assisting in conducting bi-annual trainings with Delaware State Police cadets. He is passionate about successful community reentry and brings his invaluable experiences with addiction and recovery into every area of his life.
Andrew J. Schreier is an Independent Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and International Certified Gambling Counselor – II. Mr. Schreier graduated from Ottawa University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. He is the Wisconsin Clinical Coordinator for Community Medical Services, providing medicated-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Mr. Schreier also provides individual counseling and consultation at New Life Resources, Inc. He presents on various topics related to substance use, mental health, gambling, clinical supervision, ethics, and other topics to statewide and national audiences. Mr. Schreier is the host of “Talking Addiction & Recovery” Podcast.
T Schweimler is a Research Manager at OMNI Institute providing project leadership and evaluation technical support with content area expertise in public and behavioral health. At OMNI, T has worked on projects including evaluation technical assistance and capacity building of SAMHSA funded substance use prevention efforts in Alabama and Virginia and a statewide assessment of behavioral health and wellness among LGBTQ+ Coloradans. T is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer driven by their passion for furthering equitable evaluation practices and dedication to lifting up marginalized communities’ voices through research.
Denver Scout is a one-year-old lab shepherd mix rescued from Canine Collective in Columbus. Denver loves playing with his squeaky ball, retrieving, running and playing in the woods with his sister, spending time with his special toy, “Ladybug”, training, socializing and cuddling.
Ala is a board member of the Ohio in Arabic Foundation and serves on a volunteer basis as communications director. Ala, is a Jordanian pediatrician living in Columbus, Ohio since 2009. She trained at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she currently works. Her career path in medicine aligns with her role in Ohio in Arabic as she genuinely values the human part of each interaction, cares deeply about humanity, and is committed to the missions of service and mentorship.
Elizabeth Showalter is a Research Associate at Health Resources in Action. She is experienced in cleaning and analyzing large and small datasets. Ms. Showalter led the cleaning and analysis of complex survey data for the 2021 Statewide Assessment of Gambling and Problem Gambling in Illinois. She is currently involved in an evaluation of the impact of a Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center grant, focusing on housing, behavioral health, jobs and financial security. Ms. Showalter has a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.
Jasper Sky is a one-year-old lab-shepherd mix rescued from Toledo Humane Society. She loves running and playing with her brother, playing tug-of-war, watching birds and squirrels, walking in the woods, socializing, especially with children, and cuddling.
Matt Smith is Head of External Affairs for Betknowmore UK. Matt has has lived experience of gambling and is in recovery since 2014. Part of the senior management team he builds relationships with stakeholders across the national gambling treatment service and within the gambling industry. His working background was in the media industry where he spent over a decade working in management for UK radio station talkSPORT heading up major live sports events. Matt is passionate about the work the charity does to provide support and training services that prevent and address personal and societal harms caused by gambling.
Jackie Stanmyre, MSW, ABD, is Assistant Director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on gambling and sports wagering among athletes and coaches, mindfulness profiles among people who gamble, screening and interventions for problem gambling, and play-by-play analysis for online gambling and sports wagering. An experienced clinician and clinical supervisor, Ms. Stanmyre coordinates training and treatment projects for the CGS and data collection efforts for online gambling and sports wagering in New Jersey. She has recently completed a study of mindfulness profiles among gamblers and gambling behaviors and related mental health and substance use problems among a representative sample LGBTQ+ participants.
Dr. Sasha Stark, Greo’s Senior Research Lead, oversees development of Greo’s knowledge synthesis products, leads research activities, and works with new and existing stakeholders globally. Sasha is an internationally known gambling researcher, having worked in the field for 15 years. Previously, Sasha was Senior Researcher at the Responsible Gambling Council, leading primary and applied research and evaluation activities.
Christina has over 30 years’ experience leading teams across all aspects of the global betting and gambling industry holding senior roles with some of world’s leading brands. She is currently Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd working with start-ups, investors, established operators, regulators, law enforcement and industry groups and associations across the world, advising on all aspects of betting, gaming and gambling, and continues to serve as a practicing Compliance Officer and trainer with particular focus on Responsible Gambling and AML. She is a National Council on Problem Gambling member and Co-Founder of the All-In Diversity Project.
Elizabeth Thielen is the Senior Director of Substance Abuse Treatment Services at Nicasa Behavioral Health Services with over 20 years in the substance abuse field. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor (PCGC). Elizabeth is passionate about increasing awareness of gambling disorder in the community and among helping professionals. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, recently completing a term as President, and she represents Nicasa Behavioral Health Services on the Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling. Elizabeth is also an adjunct faculty at the College of Lake County where she teaches about Process Addictions. As a former amateur athlete, Elizabeth is committed to helping athletes avoid disordered gambling as Illinois has recently implemented legalized sports betting.
Ashley Trantham serves as Manager, Responsible Gambling for TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks). She is responsible for managing Responsible Gambling programs and services throughout North America including specialized problem gambling helplines, helpline-focused marketing campaigns, clinical training, and casino responsible gambling center staffing. Ashley managed a statewide problem gambling prevention program for several years and brings over 20 years of healthcare industry experience, holding positions with the National Association of Medicaid Directors as well as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband and three rescue dogs.
Carondalette Turner, Ph.D. has over 27 years of experience as an IS Auditor for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Gaming Enforcement. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource and Leadership Development from Louisiana State University and has also earned a master’s degree in public administration and a Business Accounting degree with a Minor in Computer Science. Carondalette spent thirteen years as an instructor and has become an expert in the field of IT auditing.
Mark van der Maas, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Rutgers School of Social Work and core Center of Gambling Studies faculty member. His research focuses on detecting public health impacts of broad gambling market expansion and discussions of gambling on social media platforms. Dr. van der Maas also conducts research on alcohol use, ADHD, and traffic crashes. He also serves as associate editor for the Journal of Gambling Issues. Dr. van der Maas received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Toronto in 2015. He held a postdoctoral fellowship from 2015-2019 at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research in Toronto.
Dr. Rachel Volberg has been involved in research on gambling and problem gambling since 1985. She has directed or consulted on numerous international studies, published extensively, and advised governments and private sector organizations on gambling legalization, the epidemiology of problem gambling, and public policy approaches to developing and refining services for problem gamblers and their families. Dr. Volberg is currently a Research Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and President of Gemini Research, her longtime consulting company.
Brian Ward is a Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor, SMART Facilitator, President of the Board of Directors for Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery, and Host of Voices…The Podcast.
Heather is an academic specializing in the study of gambling behaviour, policy and practice. She worked in gambling studies for 15 years, leading some of Britain’s most high profile projects. She has recently published her first book Games without Frontiers?, looking at the growing intersection between gaming and gambling. She is currently leading the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling.
In her 22nd year with the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, Marlene D. Warner works as the CEO of the organization, Principal with Spectrum Safer Gaming Advisors, and previously served as the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Board President. Marlene has led innovation on RG and PG practices and products in the US and across the world, advocated for strong policy and funding with legislators and regulators, and measured efficacy of these tools and resources. A undergraduate of Gettysburg College and a Masters graduate of George Washington University, she lives in Salem, MA with her husband and three kids.
Jaclyn Webber, MA, LGPC has worked as the Drug and Alcohol Health Educator at the ATOD Prevention Center at Towson University for 4 years. She oversees TU’s substance use education, prevention, and outreach initiatives including leading the ATOD peer education program. Prior to entering her position at TU, Jaclyn worked at University of Maryland as the Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Coordinator. Outside of TU, Jaclyn serves on the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug (HECAOD) Misuse National Training Advisory Committee and is a NASPA Certified Peer Education Advisor.
James P. Whelan, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Memphis and Director of The Institute for Gambling Education and Research. He leads the Institute’s initiative to develop a research center for all individuals living in Tennessee – a project funded by Tennessee’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. His research spans prevention, assessment, and treatment of gambling disorder.
Jim Wilkerson is the Administrator of Gambling Initiative Programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. He is responsible for the development of gambling treatment and recovery services. Jim holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. He is a 2021 Griffiths Award winner and an Institute on Rehabilitation Issues Scholar.
Alyssa N. Wilson, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Southern California. Dr. Wilson has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on interdisciplinary approaches to gambling etiology, assessment, and treatment. She has delivered over fifty national and international gambling assessment and treatment presentations. She co-authored The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals and a chapter in the Social Work Desk Reference 4 on Gambling Disorders. When she isn’t working, you can find her traveling, painting, or cooking vegetarian friendly meals.
Dr. Bill Wilson, LMFT, LPC, ICGC-II is the sole holder of an ICGC certification in Arkansas. He provides counseling in a practice with his partner in North Little Rock where he treats problem gambling referrals. Bill joined the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council hoping to train the next Arkansas cohort of ICGC- credentialed practitioners.
Ken Wolfson is the first Gambling-Specific Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center). Ken assists individuals in Maryland struggling with problems related to gambling and gambling addiction problems to navigate recovery treatment resources and helps remove any barriers for successful recovery. Before joining the Center, Ken has lived abroad, traveled the world, and brings a wealth of experience and insight to his work helping others. Seeing the light of recovery and hope begin to shine bright in those he assists, continues to be one of his greatest passions in life.
Alison Wood-Drain, North Carolina Problem Gambling Youth Prevention and Treatment Specialist, manages over 60 statewide prevention grants. She trains and provides technical support on gambling as a high-risk behavior for adolescents, other co-occurring needs, and a “train the trainer” workshop on, Stacked Deck, an evidence-based prevention curriculum. Last year, she launched a program evaluation of the updated Stacked Deck curriculum with two bonus lessons in a learning management system. She has recently been working with a team to create a self-paced module series directed at behavioral health clinicians combining gambling, gaming, and digital media use as high-risk adolescent behaviors.
Glenn Yamagata is an economist and data scientist. For the past 7 years he has worked on problem gambling and related issues and has served as a consultant with Problem Gambling Solutions. He is on the Board of Directors of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery. Previously, he was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. and Director of Analytics at The Gap. He holds masters’ degrees in economics and statistics from Yale University.
Dave is an eleven-year veteran of the U.S. Army and in recovery for a gambling addiction. Dave is the host of Fall In, the Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans and author of the book Fall In, a Veteran with a Gambling Addiction.
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